Busch Gardens in Tampa Announces New Area

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Busch Gardens in Tampa is revamping part of the park to coincide with the opening of its new 335-foot drop tower.

Officials say the park's Timbuktu area will become Pantopia. The jewel-themed area will have a renovated theater, new bakery and snack spots.

Busch Gardens president Jim Dean says Pantopia will celebrate the spirit of animals, welcome adventurers from the four corners of the earth, explore ancient lore and display fantastic architecture.

The renovation will mark the spring opening of Falcon's Fury, which park officials say will be the tallest freestanding drop tower in North America. It will take riders 300 feet into the air, tilt their seats 90 degrees forward and then drop them for about five seconds of free fall.